CAMPAIGN: Helen, 91, is just one reason why Rosyth Resource Centre should be saved

CAMPAIGN: Helen, 91, is just one reason why Rosyth Resource Centre should be saved

AN ELDERLY woman who struggles with mobility problems has spoken of her fear of being isolated without Rosyth Resource Centre.

Last week's Press front page carried the campaign to save the centre.

Campaigners are trying to pile pressure on Fife Health and Social Care Partnership Board to save the facility, which is set to close next month.

All three Rosyth councillors – Tony Orton (Conservative), Sam Steele (SNP) and Andrew Verrecchia (Labour) have put aside their political differences to come together to voice their protest while more than 2,000 people have signed a petition to halt the closure.

For many, the centre has simply been a lifeline.

Helen Balson, 91, of Duloch, has been enjoying her days there since moving up from the Borders three years ago.

She told the Press: "I have made lots of friends at Rosyth, which is lovely because I didn't really know anyone when I moved to the area.

"There's always plenty to do or someone there to help you at the centre and I have been involved in lots of different things such as fundraising.

"I really appreciate what the staff do.

"I have been offered a place in Abbeyview but my close friends are going to the Jean Mackie so I'm not going to see them.

"They've also said I could have someone come to my house and take me out but I won't be getting much interaction with other people or I could go to the Art Club, but I'll have to arrange my own transport.

"I don't have any family here apart from my daughter, without the day centre I would have felt isolated."

Many believe the partnership's consolation with the community was flawed.

"People don't always have family nearby and it's somewhere they can be looked after.

"I am an only child, have been signed off work for a back injury and have no other family in the area.

"If I go away then I'm at peace because I know that my mum won't be left completely isolated.

"Loneliness is such a massive issue in our society and the centre provides two days where my mum is occupied.

"There was no adequate consultation with the community and the centre is a perfect building. Its purpose-built and everything you need is all on one floor.

"It's such a shame that it's going to be wasted."

All three councillors fighting the closure will have a table at the Rosyth Community Market on Sunday while they will also be at a street stall outside the Palace Cafe on Queensferry Road from 11am-1pm every Saturday for the next three weeks.
A spokesperson for the Integrated Joint Board of the Health and Social Care Partnership said: "The decision to redesign day care services in Rosyth was upheld following discussion and voting on a motion by members of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership Board on September 14."

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